Travel health tips for Nepal

Nepal’s a stunning place to visit — mountain views, historic temples, and a ca culture that’s both welcoming and deeply rooted. But it’s not somewhere you want to just show up without a bit of prep. Altitude sickness is common, food can mess with your stomach, and once you’re out of the cities, medical help gets a lot harder to find. Roads can be rough, and transport isn’t always reliable. Earthquakes and landslides also happen from time to time. It’s not about being scared — just being smart. A bit of planning makes a big difference.
 

Essential vaccines for traveling to Nepal

The only vaccine that’s officially required is yellow fever — and that’s only if you’re arriving from a country where it’s a risk. You’ll need the shot at least 10 days before landing in Nepal if that applies to you. But depending on your plans, there are a few others worth considering:

Highly recommended vaccines:

• Hepatitis A: This is a common one for travelers. You can catch it from food or water, even in places that look clean. Get the shot 2–4 weeks before your trip.
• Typhoid: Also food- and water-borne. Nepal has a higher risk for this, so it’s a good idea. You can take an oral vaccine (just finish it at least a week before travel) or get the injectable version (which needs about 2 weeks).
• COVID-19: Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. It’s still something to be aware of, especially if you’ll be far from medical care.

Depends on your itinerary vaccines:

• Japanese Encephalitis: Mostly a concern if you’ll be spending a lot of time in rural areas, especially during monsoon season (May–October). It’s a two-dose vaccine, so start early.
• Rabies: Consider it if you’ll be in remote areas, doing lots of outdoor activities, or traveling for a long stretch. The vaccine is given in three doses over a few weeks.
• Hepatitis B: Makes sense if there’s any chance of needing medical care, getting a tattoo, or being sexually active. Ideally, start the series six months before you travel — but your doctor can help with faster schedules if needed.

Pre-travel health checklist

You’ll want to start early — aim for 4 to 8 weeks before your trip. Make an appointment with a travel health clinic and get a dental check-up while you're at it. Dealing with tooth pain on a remote trail is not the vibe.

Planning to trek? Let your doctor know right away. Talk through your full route, especially if you'll be sleeping at high altitudes above 8,000 feet  (2,500 meters). Ask about medication for altitude sickness (like Diamox), and be honest about any health issues — even ones that don’t usually bother you. Asthma, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea can all act up at altitude.

If you have any history of heart or lung issues, your doctor might want to run some tests before clearing you for long treks. Also worth double-checking: how your current meds hold up in heat or cold, and whether any could clash with altitude-related meds. Make sure you're prepared before you leave by taking a look at our Nepal travel tips.

Essentials to pack

Some of these items can be bought in bigger cities, but it’s best to bring your own especially if there is a specific brand you trust.

Some medications you'll want to consider bringing are:

• Personal prescription medications: Keep meds in their original packaging and bring a letter from your doctor listing the generic names—that helps smooth things over with customs. Always pack twice what you need, and stash the backup in a separate bag. If your meds are sensitive to heat or cold, plan for that, especially if you're trekking. Stick to your usual schedule for taking them, even if you're crossing time zones.
• Altitude sickness medication: Diamox (acetazolamide) can help prevent acute mountain sickness. Most people start with 125mg twice a day, beginning 24 hours before going above 8,200 feet (2,500m). Check for sulfa allergies before you leave. Common side effects are tingling fingers and needing to pee more. Some people only use it above 9,800 feet (3,000m) instead of starting earlier—totally personal preference.
• Traveler’s diarrhea antibiotic: For Nepal, azithromycin tends to work better than ciprofloxacin because of local resistance. A typical course is one 500mg dose or a 3-day course. Only use it if symptoms are really bad—like if there's blood or fever. Don’t take it just as a precaution.
• Anti-diarrheal medication: Loperamide (Imodium) is handy when you're stuck in transit with no toilet nearby. Skip it if you’ve got a fever or blood in your stool. Take it with plenty of fluids and some rehydration salts. For milder issues, Pepto-Bismol is a gentler option.
• Motion sickness medication: Nepali roads to trekking spots can be brutal—think 8–12 hours of winding, bumpy terrain. Non-drowsy meds like meclizine or ginger supplements help for daytime trips. If you’re really prone to motion sickness, scopolamine patches work well for multi-day hauls.

Some other health-related items you'll want to pack are:

• Rehydration salts: Trekking at altitude or having diarrhea can wipe you out. Bring electrolyte packets like Pedialyte or WHO’s formula. You can also mix your own: 1 tsp salt + 6 tsp sugar in a liter of clean water. Use after every bout of diarrhea or on days when you're sweating buckets—especially above 13,000 feet (4,000m).
• Water purification tablets/filter: Chlorine dioxide tablets are reliable—just give them 30 minutes to work. If you're bringing a filter, make sure it handles viruses and bacteria (pore size under 0.2 microns) and is rated for at least 1,000 liters. UV purifiers like SteriPEN are great but need batteries. Always bring a backup method. Whatever you use, test it before your trip.
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes aren’t a problem up high, but they can be nasty below 6,500 feet (2,000m). DEET (30–50%) is the gold standard. Spray it on exposed skin, and wear permethrin-treated clothes for added protection. Lemon eucalyptus oil works too, but it’s not as strong.
• Sunscreen: UV radiation increases 4% for every 1,000 feet (300m) you gain in elevation. Go for SPF 50+ that’s broad-spectrum and sweat-resistant. Zinc oxide formulas hold up best. Don’t forget your ears, neck, under your chin, and hands. Your lips will burn fast up there, so pack a lip balm with SPF 30+ too.
• Basic first aid: Bring a mix of bandages, including ones for blisters. Butterfly closures are good for small gashes. Pre-cut moleskin is a must if you're trekking—use it at the first hint of a hotspot. Add sterile gauze, paper tape, small scissors, and tweezers. Dust and dirt are everywhere in Nepal, so even tiny cuts can get infected. Betadine (povidone-iodine) works well on local bacteria.
• High-altitude sunglasses: The sun is intense above 10,000 feet (3,000m), and snow glare makes it worse. Look for UV400 lenses with side shields. Polarized lenses cut down glare. You’ll need Category 4 lenses for serious trekking. Glass lenses scratch less than plastic. If you wear glasses, get prescription inserts—and always pack a backup pair.

Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness is the biggest health risk you’ll face while trekking in Nepal. It doesn’t matter how fit you are—Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone who climbs too fast above 11,500 feet (3,500 meters). It’s not something to take lightly; if you ignore it, it can get serious fast.

Risk factors 

The highest-risk treks are the big ones: Everest Base Camp at 17,598 feet (5,364 meters), the Annapurna Circuit which peaks at 17,769 feet (5,416 meters), and anything else over 8,200 feet (2,500 meters). Early warning signs include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, poor sleep, and loss of appetite. If symptoms progress to confusion, trouble walking, shortness of breath while resting, or a persistent cough with frothy spit, you need to descend immediately.

Prevention

The best way to stay safe is to acclimatize properly. Follow the golden rule: climb high, sleep low, and don’t gain more than 984–1,640 feet (300–500 meters) per day once you’re above 9,842 feet (3,000 meters). Add a rest day for every 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) you climb. Many trekkers also take Acetazolamide (Diamox) to help prevent symptoms—125mg twice a day, starting 1–2 days before your ascent and continuing at altitude for a couple more days.
Drink plenty of water—3 to 4 liters daily—and skip the alcohol since it dehydrates you and can make symptoms harder to recognize. Build in extra days to your trek so you can adjust as needed. And if your symptoms get worse, descend. That’s the only guaranteed way to get better. No view or summit is worth risking your life.

Food and water safety

Tap water in Nepal isn’t safe to drink, even in fancy hotels. Always use bottled water to drink and brush your teeth. On treks, use purification tablets, a proper filter, or boil your water for at least 3 minutes (longer the higher you go).

As for food, stick to the rule “boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.” Avoid raw veggies and salads, especially in smaller places outside Kathmandu. Skip street food that’s been sitting around—go for something hot and freshly cooked. Be cautious with dairy and never assume ice is made from clean water. Choose restaurants that are busy and have a visible kitchen. Places packed with locals are usually a safer bet. If your traveling to Nepal with kids, you'll want to be extra careful.
 

Insect-borne disease prevention

If you're heading to the lower areas or the Terai—anything under 6,561 feet (2,000 meters)—be ready for mosquitoes, especially from June to September. These regions are where you’ll find dengue and Japanese encephalitis. Use a repellent with 30–50% DEET, especially at dawn and dusk. Long sleeves and pants help, as does wearing permethrin-treated clothes. In rural spots or cheap lodges, sleep under a mosquito net.

Environmental protection

UV radiation gets intense at high altitudes—even on cloudy days. For every 984 feet (300 meters) you climb, UV levels go up by 4–5%. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every couple of hours. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, good sunglasses, and SPF lip balm.

In Kathmandu, air quality is often bad—AQI levels regularly hit 150 or more. Pack a few N95 masks if you’re spending time in the city, especially during dry months. Choose hotels away from busy roads when you can.

And don’t underestimate the cold. Even in summer, temps can drop below freezing above 9,842 feet (3,000 meters), especially at night. Bring layers—base layer, fleece, outer shell—and be prepared for serious temperature swings. Hypothermia is a real risk.

City safety

Traffic in Nepal is unpredictable at best. If you’re riding a scooter or motorbike, always wear a helmet—accidents are common, and local drivers don’t always follow the rules. For trekking, good hiking boots with ankle support can save you from twisted ankles or worse. And don’t forget the hand sanitizer—use it often, especially before meals.

In Kathmandu, be extra careful when crossing the street. Drivers rarely stop for pedestrians, even at crosswalks. Use pedestrian bridges whenever you can, and if you have to cross a busy road, try to do it with a group.

After dark, especially in Thamel, it’s best not to walk alone in quiet areas. Things can get rowdy after midnight when the bars empty out. Keep your valuables close—ideally in a front-facing bag or a money belt. Pickpocketing does happen, especially in crowded places like local markets and public buses. Keep an eye on your stuff and stay alert, and you’ll be fine.
 

Why insurance is a good idea in Nepal

If you’re heading to Nepal, especially to trek, travel insurance isn’t something to shrug off. Once you’re out of the cities, the terrain gets rugged and medical care can be pretty limited. If something goes seriously wrong—like you break a bone or need surgery—you might end up needing to be flown to Bangkok or Delhi. That kind of evacuation can cost $50,000 or more.

Kathmandu has hospitals that can handle the basics, but out on the trail, you’ll mostly find small health posts. These are usually stocked with basic supplies and run by someone with limited training. In places like the Everest and Annapurna regions, there are a couple of seasonal clinics staffed by Western doctors—like the Himalayan Rescue Association clinics in  Manang at 11,545 feet (3,519 meters)  and Pheriche at 14,340 feet (4,371 meters). They’re great to have around, but if things go south, you’re still looking at a helicopter ride and possibly an international flight.

Add in the risks of altitude sickness or injury on the trail, and it’s clear: Nepal’s one of those places where travel insurance isn’t just smart—it’s non-negotiable.

Medical service costs in Nepal:

• Doctor consultation (private clinic): $4–$16
• Specialist consultation: $8–$40
• Emergency room visit: $50–$150
• Hospital room (per night): $40–$400
• Basic blood tests: $4–$40
• X-ray: $4–$40
• Helicopter evacuation (remote areas): $2,000–$12,000
• Medical evacuation to Bangkok/Delhi: $25,000–$50,000

Insurance requirements

Not every travel insurance policy covers what you’ll actually need in Nepal. Here’s what to check for before you buy:

• At least $250,000 in medical and $500,000 in evacuation coverage: Getting airlifted out of the mountains and then flown internationally can be extremely expensive. Some policies don’t include enough coverage for this kind of situation.
• Coverage for trekking above 3,000 meters: Most treks in Nepal go well above 3,000 meters, where altitude sickness becomes a real risk. Some policies quietly exclude high-altitude activities or label them “mountaineering,” which might not be covered..
• Helicopter rescue: There are no roads in many trekking regions. If you twist your ankle or get sick, walking out might not be an option. Helicopter rescues typically cost between $2,000 and $12,000, depending on how far out you are. If the policy doesn’t clearly state that heli evacuations are covered, assume they’re not.
• Evacuation to another country: Hospitals in Nepal can manage minor issues, but serious conditions often require transport to Bangkok or Delhi. Not every plan covers this kind of transfer, so check the wording. 
• Pre-existing conditions: If you’ve got asthma, heart conditions, or anything that could flare up at altitude, you’ll want to disclose that when you buy your insurance. Some plans won’t cover anything related to pre-existing conditions unless you’ve been upfront and added extra coverage. It’s not fun paperwork, but it could save you a huge bill later.

Recommended providers

Here are a few insurance companies people use when trekking in Nepal. These are known for including the things that actually come up, like high-altitude hiking and helicopter rescues.

• World Nomads: Covers trekking up to 6,000 meters, heli evacuations, and medical emergencies.
• SafetyWing: A good fit if you're traveling long-term or working remotely, with solid medical coverage.
• Allianz Global Assistance: Has a wide network and reliable customer support.
• IMG Global: Good for altitude-specific plans, with coverage up to 7,000 meters and direct billing at some Kathmandu clinics.
• AIG Travel Guard: Known for covering a range of activities with fewer restrictions and round-the-clock assistance.
• Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance: More focused on rescue coordination in remote places like the Himalayas.
• Global Rescue: A membership-based service that specializes in medical evacuation, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Accessing medications

Pharmacies are easy to find in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but fake or low-quality meds can be an issue. Stick to reputable spots—Pharma Health in Thamel is one travelers often recommend.

Still, it’s best to bring your own prescriptions from home. Pack enough for the whole trip in original packaging, and bring a doctor’s note just in case customs asks questions.

Basic meds like painkillers, antibiotics, and anti-diarrheals are easy to find in cities but can be hard to get once you’re out trekking. Bring a small stash of essentials—stuff like ibuprofen, rehydration salts, and altitude tablets—so you’re covered on the trail.
 

What to do if you get sick

Even with good preparation, it’s still possible to get sick or hurt while traveling in Nepal. If that happens, knowing what to do ahead of time can help you stay calm and avoid bigger problems. If you’re feeling seriously unwell—especially if you have a fever, trouble breathing, or a bad headache—don’t wait around to see if it gets better, especially in the mountains, where help might take a while to reach you. Go with your gut. If something feels wrong, speak up early.

Some helpful emergency numbers:

• Police: 100
• Ambulance: 102
• Fire Department: 101
• Tourist Police (Kathmandu): +977-1-4226359 / 4226403

Key embassies and consulates

• United States: +977-1-4234000
• United Kingdom: +977-1-4410583
• Australia: +977-1-4371678
• Canada: Contact the Australian Embassy

Top medical facilities for travelers

Here are the top hospitals you’ll find in Nepal

• CIWEC Hospital and Travel Medicine Center (Kathmandu): This place is well-known among travelers for dealing with everything from altitude sickness to stomach bugs. The doctors are trained in travel and tropical medicine, and they understand what issues tend to come up in Nepal. They’ve also got experience arranging evacuations if needed. You can walk in at any time—they’re open 24 hours a day.
• Nepal Mediciti Hospital (Lalitpur): If you’re dealing with something more serious, this is one of the larger private hospitals with English-speaking specialists. It’s equipped for things like surgery, cardiac care, and major injuries. 
• CIWEC Hospital (Pokhara): If you’re in Pokhara, this branch is a convenient option, especially if you’ve just finished a trek and aren’t feeling great. They see a lot of people coming back from the Annapurna region with altitude problems, stomach issues, or infections. There’s also a solid lab here for quick testing.

Emergency evacuation

In more remote parts of Nepal, getting to a hospital sometimes means arranging a helicopter. If that’s the case, your first move should be to call your travel insurance company’s emergency line. They usually need to approve the flight before it’s dispatched.

Trekking agencies can also help set this up, which is one reason it’s worth going with a company that knows the terrain. If you're not feeling right—especially if altitude is involved—let your guide or lodge owner know as soon as possible. Things can go downhill quickly at high elevations, and early action can make all the difference.

Natural disaster response

Nepal sits on a fault line, and earthquakes do happen. The 2015 quake was a reminder of how important it is to be prepared. Before your trip, download PrakopAlert for real-time earthquake notifications. If there’s an event, follow instructions from local authorities immediately. 

It’s also a good idea to register with your embassy before heading into the mountains. That way, they’ll know where you are in case something goes wrong. Keep their contact info saved somewhere easy to reach. 

Planning your trip to Nepal? See our guide to the best things to do in Kathmandu Valley or tips for getting around Nepal.